A good Poodle has a square silhouette, with approximately the same length as the height at the withers. This breed was used as a gun dog and originally was used in Germany and France as a retriever of waterfowl. It is very amusing and clever. Its innate showmanship, made the Poodle into an excellent circus performer.

There are three varieties of Poodle: Toy, Miniature, and Standard. The three sizes are considered one breed and are judged by the same standard. Today, the Poodle is primarily a companion and show dog, though it can learn almost anything.

Charakter

The Miniature Poodle is highly intelligent and trainable. It makes a perfect companion dog; it is cheerful, sensitive and super smart. It is highly trainable, great at learning tricks and a favorite in the circus ring. Some love to play with children, but some are sensitive and nervous. It can be somewhat high-strung.

Socialization at an early age is a must. It tends to be quite reserved with strangers. It does tend to bark a lot. This is a very good watchdog for its size, seldom becoming aggressive. Usually it is friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets. It loves to swim; its feet are webbed for better swimming. This breed adores water and loves to go for walks.

Your Mini Poodle will keep in better spirits and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run and play off the leash in a safe area. Some of the breed’s talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdogging, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.

Colors

Coat

Very profuse and dense, harsh texture, either curly or corded. Extensive grooming is needed. It must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. The traditional clips were developed to lighten the weight of the coat for swimming and protection to the joints and major organs from cold, but many owners opt for the plain lamb clip – the same length all over, because it is easier and more economical to maintain.

This breed sheds little to no hair and is good for allergy sufferers. The Poodle’s coat may be groomed into three basic styles: – the “pet clip” or puppy clip (under 12 months), with relatively short hair all over the body – the “English saddle” clip, – the “Continental” clip with the rear half of the body shaved, bracelets left around the ankles and pom-poms left on the tails and hips. All other clips are not admissible in shows.

Gesundheitsprobleme

They are generally a healthy, long-lived breed. Nevertheless, there are a few possible genetic diseases. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy may cause blindness so monitor eye health closely. Allergies and skin conditions (possibly due to unskilled use of clippers or allergies to shampoo and/or color reinforcer), so be very careful with grooming.

Diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease are less likely problems. A healthy diet can of course reduce the chances of diabetes. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. To minimize the risk of your Poodle developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a puppy from a reputable breeder.

Lebensumfeld

Life indoors is recommended for the Poodle, and access to a small yard would suffice. It tends to be inactive indoors, so it needs to be taken out for its exercise needs.